what about what the secretary of defense is confronting today. we didn't spend a lot of time discussing those issues and in the end that counts. >> hagel should have been questioned more about issues like the war in afghanistan, the turmoil in the mideast and the looming budget cuts that could severely impact the pentagon. instead hagel was criticized for his past statements on iran, israel and the u.s. and nuclear strategy. harris? >> after what i guess you could call a rather bumpy confirmation hearing to say the least what are hagel's chances at this point? >> as it stands at least 12 republicans plan to vote against hagel, his confirmation even though he is a republican himself. only two said they would vote for him at this point. they are mike johan of nebraska and cochran of mississippi. many are predicting hagel will be confirmed. >> i think for a cabinet office 51 votes is generally considered the right standard for the senate to set. and at that level i think he makes it but doesn't make it with a lot of room to spare. >> senator blunt i